Mô tả sản phẩm: Microphone AKG Perception 420
The Perception 420 replaces the discontinued Perception 400 and is a dual-diaphragm, switchable-pattern, side-address mic that’s intended as a multi-application studio workhorse. Supplied with a substantial shockmount in a compact aluminium case, the 420 employs a pair of back-to-back, one-inch, true-capacitor capsules, to offer omni, cardioid and figure-of-eight polar patterns, which are selected using a small toggle switch in the cast zinc-alloy body. There are also a switchable 20dB pad and low-cut filter (300Hz, 12dB/octave), so, despite its modest price tag, it isn’t lacking in features. Other than the pastel-blue metallic finish, this mic doesn’t offer much to challenge the accepted view of what a side-address studio mic should look like, but the general standard of engineering and finish is excellent.
With the pad switched in, the 420 can handle SPLs up to 155dB, so there’s not much that’s likely to challenge it in the volume department. Apparently, the design brief was to offer a warm but transparent sound quality, and the manufacturer’s listed applications include grand piano, woodwind, brass, drums and percussion (although they make no mention of vocals). The frequency range is quoted simply as 20Hz to 20kHz, which doesn’t give much away about mic’s voicing — or even about its true frequency response, because no ‘dBs down’ limits are specified. Fortunately, though, a response curve in the manual is more helpful, showing a reasonably flat response for all three patterns, although the shape and position of the modest presence peak differs for each, as you’d expect. Its sensitivity is 28mV/Pa (-31dBV) with an A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio of 78dB, so its performance seems to be comparable with other well-designed mics of a similar type at this price point. Overall, the mic measures 53 x 165 mm and weighs 525g (18.5 ounces), giving it a substantial feel without making it so heavy as to cause the mic stand to sag.
Although not put forward primarily as a vocal mic, there’s no reason not to use the 420 for that purpose as long as you’re after a fairly neutral sound — most dedicated vocal mics will have a more pronounced presence peak. The mic’s resistance to popping is better than average, although a pop shield should always be used when recording vocals, and the general tonal character remains sensibly consistent between the three patterns. There’s the inevitable switching click when you change patterns, but the circuitry settles down almost immediately.
As an instrument mic, the 420 comes over as well-balanced and solid, handling high-end detail smoothly without over-hyping it or making everything sound too forward. It works well on acoustic guitar, producing a rich, homogenous sound that balances warmth with detail, again without making the highs seem brittle or forced. Admittedly, there are plenty of mics that will do the job equally well, but given its build quality, price and design provenance, the Perception 420 is a great all-rounder, and at no time did background noise become evident, despite its very average spec in this department. The shockmount is also worthy of mention because it seems a bit better thought-out than many of the ‘me-too’ designs, and it holds the mic very securely.
With the pad switched in, the 420 can handle SPLs up to 155dB, so there’s not much that’s likely to challenge it in the volume department. Apparently, the design brief was to offer a warm but transparent sound quality, and the manufacturer’s listed applications include grand piano, woodwind, brass, drums and percussion (although they make no mention of vocals). The frequency range is quoted simply as 20Hz to 20kHz, which doesn’t give much away about mic’s voicing — or even about its true frequency response, because no ‘dBs down’ limits are specified. Fortunately, though, a response curve in the manual is more helpful, showing a reasonably flat response for all three patterns, although the shape and position of the modest presence peak differs for each, as you’d expect. Its sensitivity is 28mV/Pa (-31dBV) with an A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio of 78dB, so its performance seems to be comparable with other well-designed mics of a similar type at this price point. Overall, the mic measures 53 x 165 mm and weighs 525g (18.5 ounces), giving it a substantial feel without making it so heavy as to cause the mic stand to sag.
Although not put forward primarily as a vocal mic, there’s no reason not to use the 420 for that purpose as long as you’re after a fairly neutral sound — most dedicated vocal mics will have a more pronounced presence peak. The mic’s resistance to popping is better than average, although a pop shield should always be used when recording vocals, and the general tonal character remains sensibly consistent between the three patterns. There’s the inevitable switching click when you change patterns, but the circuitry settles down almost immediately.
As an instrument mic, the 420 comes over as well-balanced and solid, handling high-end detail smoothly without over-hyping it or making everything sound too forward. It works well on acoustic guitar, producing a rich, homogenous sound that balances warmth with detail, again without making the highs seem brittle or forced. Admittedly, there are plenty of mics that will do the job equally well, but given its build quality, price and design provenance, the Perception 420 is a great all-rounder, and at no time did background noise become evident, despite its very average spec in this department. The shockmount is also worthy of mention because it seems a bit better thought-out than many of the ‘me-too’ designs, and it holds the mic very securely.
